Lip balm with embedded object

ABSTRACT

A lip balm assembly is disclosed. The lip balm assembly includes a main tube, lip balm, and ornamental object. The main tube defines an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween, with the lip balm being disposed in the chamber. The ornamental object may be embedded in the lip balm proximal the closed bottom side, with the ornamental object being exposable from the lip balm through a reduction of the lip balm disposed proximal the open top side. In certain embodiments, urging the ornamental object towards the open top side further facilitates the ornamental object being exposed from the lip balm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lip moisturizers and, more particularly, to a lip balm product with an embedded object at the bottom thereof that is revealed through use of the lip balm.

Conventionally, when an individual experiences dry lips, he or she will use various lip moisturizers, including lip balm, to moisturize, seal and protect his/her lips. This is a very redundant and boring task, and there have been no recent innovations to make this a more fun experience for users.

As can be seen, there is a need for a lip balm product and method that includes an embedded object at the bottom of the lip balm that is revealed through use of the lip balm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a lip balm assembly comprises: a main tube defining an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween; lip balm disposed in the chamber; and an ornamental object embedded in the lip balm proximal the closed bottom side, the ornamental object being configured to be exposed from the lip balm through a reduction of the lip balm disposed proximal the open top side.

In another aspect of the present invention, an assembly comprises: a main tube defining an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween; a wax material disposed in the chamber; an ornamental object embedded in the wax material; and an adjustment member operably coupled to the main tube, operation whereby causing a translation of the wax material and ornamental object, the ornamental object being exposable from the wax material through operation of the adjustment member and a reduction of the wax material disposed proximal the open top side.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of moisturizing a lip of a user and exposing an ornamental object is disclosed, with the method comprising the steps of: (1) providing an assembly comprising: a main tube defining an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween; a wax material disposed in the chamber; the ornamental object embedded in the wax material; and an adjustment member operably coupled to the main tube, operation whereby causing a translation of the wax material and ornamental object, the ornamental object being exposable from the wax material through operation of the adjustment member and a reduction of the wax material disposed proximal the open top side; and (2) rotating the adjustment member, which causes rotation of an adjustment shaft and urges a retaining plug upwards, thus moving the ornamental object towards the open top side of the main tube; and (3) applying the max material to the lip of the user, which results in the reduction of the wax material.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along line 3-3 from FIG. 1, with an adjustment knob and adjustment shaft shown in full.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a lip balm assembly including a main tube, lip balm, and an ornamental object. The main tube may define an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween, with the lip balm being disposed in the chamber. Further, the ornamental object may be embedded in the lip balm proximal the closed bottom side, with the ornamental object being configured to be exposed from the lip balm through a reduction of the lip balm disposed proximal the open top side.

In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, lip balm is provided in an actuatable dispenser that draws the lip balm upwards as it is gradually used by a user. Towards a bottom of the lip balm is an embedded object (e.g., various “prizes”, such as a gemstone, charm, etc.) which is eventually revealed after a certain amount of the lip balm is used. Embodiments of the present invention make ideal gifts to others, because in appearance they resemble a standard lip balm dispenser but retain a prize therewithin that is only exposed through use. These and other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those with skill in the art from the following disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a lip balm and prize apparatus includes an object 10, which may include various small-size ornamental objects, such as gemstones, charms, earrings, and other trinkets. The object 10 may be inserted into a cover 12, such as a foil cover, for protection. As shown in FIG. 1, a lip balm dispenser may, in certain embodiments, include a main tube 14, a cap 16, and an adjustment member 18, such as a rotatable knob/wheel. As shown in FIG. 3, the main tube 14 defines an open top side (uppermost portion of the main tube 14) and a closed bottom side (lowermost portion of the main tube 14), with a chamber therebetween. The cap 16 is removably connectable to the open top side of the main tube 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the adjustment member 18 is rotatably coupled to the closed bottom side of the main tube 14. These members (i.e., the main tube 14, cap 16, and adjustment member 18) define an external structure of the lip balm dispenser.

Internally, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lip balm 20 or other moisturizing material is provided within the main tube 14 of the lip balm dispenser in the chamber. At a bottom of a chamber defined by the main tube 14 is a retaining plug 22 threadably engaged with an adjustment shaft 24. The adjustment shaft 24 is fixedly connected to the adjustment member 18, and thus is rotatable/moveable therewith. As shown in FIG. 3, the lip balm 20 rests on top of the retaining plug 22, and the object 10 is disposed proximal to the retaining plug 22.

In use, a user removes the cap 16 from the main tube 14 to expose a top end of the lip balm 20 (which is proximal to and may extend out of a top open side of the main tube 14). The user may then apply the lip balm 20 to his/her lips before reconnecting the cap 16 to the main tube 16. Gradually, with use, the lip balm 20 in the tube 14 is reduced, and the user may operate the adjustment member 18 to cause the adjustment shaft 24 to rotate. When this occurs, the retaining plug 22 (and consequently a bottommost portion of the lip balm 20 and the object 10) is urged upwards due to the threaded engagement with the adjustment shaft 24. As the upper portion of the lip balm is gradually worn away, the user eventually reaches a bottom end of the lip balm, which exposes the object 10 in its protective cover 12. After the object 10 has been exposed, it can be removed from the remaining lip balm 20 and pulled out of its protective cover 12.

While it would be appreciated by those with skill that other types of lip balm dispensers may be used, such as ones where an individual places lip balm 20 directly on his/her finger first and then applies the lip balm to his/her mouth, the presently described embodiment is preferred because it draws the object 10 towards the user, rather than requiring a user to expose the object with their finger as they go. With dispensers where a user's finger is ultimately the applicator, the lip balm 10 is often unevenly worn down, which would result in the object 10 being exposed before the user is truly towards the end of use. Further, it will be appreciated that while the object 10 is preferably disposed at a bottom of the chamber as previously described, it may be placed anywhere in the lip balm 20 such that it is hidden from view upon initial use of the lip balm 20.

To make the previously described embodiment of the present invention, an object 10 is first wrapped in a cover 12. The main tube 14, cap 16, actuator member 18, retaining plug 22, and adjustment shaft 24 may be formed using any appropriate manufacturing process and assembled. Next, the object 10 wrapped in the cover 12 is inserted into the main tube 14. Next the lip balm 20 is poured into the main tube 14. The lip balm 20 may be formed from beeswax or other wax or moisturizing material, and may be provided as scented, unscented, flavored, or unflavored. Finally, the cap 16 is placed on top of the main tube 14.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lip balm assembly comprising: a main tube defining an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween; lip balm disposed in the chamber; and an ornamental object embedded in the lip balm proximal the closed bottom side, the ornamental object being configured to be exposed from the lip balm through a reduction of the lip balm disposed proximal the open top side.
 2. The lip balm assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cap selectively securable to the open top side.
 3. The lip balm assembly of claim 1, further comprising: an adjustment member rotatably coupled to the closed bottom side; an adjustment shaft fixedly coupled to the adjustment member; and a retaining plug movably coupled to the adjustment shaft and supporting the lip balm.
 4. The lip balm assembly of claim 3, wherein the ornamental object is disposed proximal the retaining plug.
 5. The lip balm assembly of claim 4, wherein the retaining plug is movably coupled to the adjustment shaft via a threaded coupling.
 6. The lip balm assembly of claim 5, wherein rotation of the adjustment member causes rotation of the adjustment shaft, urging the retaining plug upwards and moving the ornamental object towards the open top side.
 7. The lip balm assembly of claim 1, wherein operation of an adjustment member urges the ornamental object towards the open top side.
 8. An assembly comprising: a main tube defining an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween; a wax material disposed in the chamber; an ornamental object embedded in the wax material; and an adjustment member operably coupled to the main tube, operation whereby causing a translation of the wax material and ornamental object, the ornamental object being exposable from the wax material through operation of the adjustment member and a reduction of the wax material disposed proximal the open top side.
 9. The lip balm assembly of claim 1, wherein the wax material comprises beeswax.
 10. A method of moisturizing a lip of a user and exposing an ornamental object, the method comprising the steps of: (1) providing an assembly comprising: a main tube defining an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween; a wax material disposed in the chamber; the ornamental object embedded in the wax material; and an adjustment member operably coupled to the main tube, operation whereby causing a translation of the wax material and ornamental object, the ornamental object being exposable from the wax material through operation of the adjustment member and a reduction of the wax material disposed proximal the open top side; (2) rotating the adjustment member, which causes rotation of an adjustment shaft and urges a retaining plug upwards, thus moving the ornamental object towards the open top side of the main tube; and (3) applying the wax material to the lip of the user, which results in the reduction of the wax material. 